Americans to very rich: Pay your taxes — poll

Americans favor the so-called “Buffett Rule”, requiring those making $1 million or more to pay at least 30 percent of their income in taxes, by a 60-37 percent margin according to a new national Gallup Poll.

The survey found heavy majorities of Democrats and Independents in favor of the tax plan, with Republicans opposed.

Pushed by the Obama administration, the “Buffett Rule” is named after billionaire Omaha-based investor Warren Buffett, who has pointed out that his secretary pays a higher tax rate than does he. The reason is low taxation on investment income.

The Democrats plan to push for a Senate vote on the proposal next week, as Americans mail in their tax returns.

“Republican politicians oppose the ‘Buffett Rule’ so there is little possibility that it will become law this year,” wrote Gallup. President Obama’s intense focus on the policy and his emphasis on bringing it to a vote in Congress is mostly a symbolic gesture . . .

“An emphasis on millionaires paying higher taxes also helps position the Obama presidential campaign against his very rich opponent Mitt Romney.”

Romney paid about 14 percent in taxes on $42 million in income for 2009 and 2010, according to returns released in late January. The Republican nominee-in-waiting has not disclosed his 2011 return.

President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama have reported an adjusted gross income of $789,674 for 2011 and paid $162,074 — or an effective rate of 20.5 percent. The Obamas donated $172,130 to 39 different charities.

In January, Romney estimated that he made $20.9 million in 2010 and paid $3.2 million in taxes, for an effective tax rate of 15.4 percent.